Between 2018 and this August, 428 persons were caught selling vapes, and 91 were prosecuted, according to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
The fear of getting caught is there, said Tim, another teen who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The thing is, with so many people doing it, it doesn’t feel that bad,” he said. “For now … I’m not (so afraid as) to stop.”
Tim and Kelly said their parents knew about their habit. In fact, Tim’s father was the one who bought him a vape to try to wean him off cigarettes, which he began smoking in Secondary Two.
The boy’s father bought the vape, plus another for himself, around three years ago on a family trip to Johor Baru. “I still smoke cigarettes and vape, but my dad only vapes now,” Tim said.
Kelly, meanwhile, said her mother detected a smell — a “fruity” one but emanating nonetheless from her room — since e-liquids, or vape juices, can come in flavours such as grape and strawberry. Her parents also saw the vape lying on her bed.